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124 articles
·6d

Minnesota Lawmaker Assassination Sparks National Security Concerns

Vance Boelter faces multiple charges, including murder, after killing Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and wounding another lawmaker in a politically motivated attack.


Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

  • Vance Boelter, 57, is charged with murder after fatally shooting Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
  • The attacks, described as politically motivated, have raised alarms about increasing threats against lawmakers, prompting security briefings in Congress.
  • Boelter had a list of over 45 potential Democratic targets, indicating a premeditated plan to attack political figures.
  • In response to the shootings, lawmakers across the country are advocating for enhanced security measures and funding to protect elected officials.
  • The incident has ignited a national debate on political violence and the safety of lawmakers, with calls for urgent action to address rising threats.

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Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Emphasizes the urgent need for increased security measures for lawmakers following violent attacks in Minnesota.

Wisconsin lawmakers are increasing security measures at the state Capitol following a shooting incident involving Minnesota legislators.

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Additional security measures were implemented for Wednesday's meeting of the Wisconsin Legislature, including increased checks for spectators and requested by lawmakers for the state Assembly session.

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Minnesota abolished capital punishment in 1911 after a botched hanging in 1906, but federal murder charges in the state still carry the possibility of capital punishment.

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Sen. Tina Smith confronted Sen. Mike Lee at the Capitol over his controversial social media posts regarding the political assassinations in Minnesota.

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Sen. Mike Lee faced backlash and deleted controversial social media posts about the fatal attack on a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband.

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Charles Dalzell, 46, from St. Thomas, was arrested for making interstate threats and threats against a federal official, while a 25-year-old man in Georgia was indicted by the FBI for threatening Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Deb Fischer.

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Vance Boelter, a lifelong friend of the alleged Minnesota gunman, was struggling to find work and was identified by David Carlson in a surveillance image after the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers.

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The suspect in the murder of a Minnesota lawmaker may be sentenced to death.

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Federal prosecutors announced charges against Vance Boelter that carry the death penalty.

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Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson stated that it is currently uncertain whether the death penalty will be pursued.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi lifted the federal execution moratorium imposed by the Biden administration in 2021.

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President Donald Trump's first administration conducted 13 federal executions, the highest number in modern presidential history.

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Illinois State Police are in communication with individuals in Illinois whose names were found on lists among Boelter's possessions.

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Law enforcement officials have been conducting security briefings with members of Congress over the past few days and will continue to do so until Tuesday.

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Federal lawmakers are allowed to use their office budgets for home security systems and campaign funds for private security.

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State legislators lack security protection outside of their state capitol complexes.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats condemned Lee's post as reckless and beneath the dignity of his office.

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Both Democrats and Republicans swiftly condemned the attacks, prompting top leaders in Washington to assess the security of federal politicians.

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Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in their home on June 14.

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Governor Walz spoke with Vice President JD Vance about the shootings and expressed appreciation for the coordination between federal law enforcement and Minnesota public safety officials.

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Authorities found a text sent by Boelter at 6:18 a.m. in a family group chat with his wife and children, stating "Dad went to war last night" after the shootings.

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Some states' lawmakers are taking steps to remove their home addresses from online directories.

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The Minnesota Legislature's website provides the addresses of members' offices in St. Paul, not their home addresses.

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The North Dakota Legislature's staff agency removed lawmakers' addresses from their biographical webpages due to security concerns following targeted attacks in Minnesota.

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Home addresses for New Mexico legislators were removed from the Statehouse website as a precaution.

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31 elected officials in Colorado have requested to have their personal contact information removed from the public-facing state campaign finance database TRACER.

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Vance Boelter has been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder.

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The man is accused of shooting and killing former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home.

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Smith conveyed her deep pain and distress caused by Lee's hurtful statements blaming the victims of the attack.

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In 2024, the US Capitol Police investigated over 9,000 threats against lawmakers, an 83% increase from the previous year, marking the highest number since 2021.

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Brooklyn Park police boarded up a home in Minnesota on Sunday after processing it as a crime scene.

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Police discovered that the plywood covering the rear window of the home had been pried off and the window broken to gain entry.

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Police conducted a search of the home, but family members do not believe anything was taken.

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The Christ For The Nations Institute expressed shock and horror upon discovering the suspect was a former student.

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Boelter, a married father of five, owned a large home but often stayed at Carlson's home in Minneapolis to shorten his commute to work, and has an active spiritual life.

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Lee's posts have caused distress among lawmakers and staff, prompting a letter from Smith's staff expressing the hurt and grief caused.

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A man fatally shot one Minnesota state lawmaker and critically injured another with nine bullet wounds.

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Boelter is facing multiple state charges, including murder and attempted murder.

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The attacks led to the largest manhunt in Minnesota's history, involving heavily armed officers in full combat gear riding armored vehicles through suburban streets and country roads.

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57-year-old Vance Boelter, a father of five and former Christian pastor with conservative beliefs, was arrested in connection with the shootings.

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Boelter had a detailed list of Minnesota state and federal elected officials, including Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Senator Smith, with meticulous notes on their homes and individuals targeted.

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Boelter was a devout Christian and strong supporter of President Donald Trump, attending his campaign rallies and being described as right-leaning by friends and colleagues.

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Vance Boelter allegedly visited the homes of two legislators during the attacks, but one was on vacation and he left the other when police arrived.

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The writer identified over 45 state and federal officials in Minnesota as Democrats in his writing.

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Investigators believe Boelter spent months preparing for the shootings.

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Boelter conducted surveillance, gathered information, and impersonated a police officer before carrying out the shootings in Minnesota.

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Boelter relentlessly pursued his victims as if they were prey.

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Members of Congress are attending emergency briefings this week following the murder of a Minnesota state lawmaker.

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The suspect in the attack had numerous federal lawmakers listed in his writings.

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In 2022, Nancy Pelosi's husband was attacked in their San Francisco home by a man looking for the California representative, while an attempted assassination on Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh also occurred.

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Members of Congress have received additional funding to enhance security at their personal residences due to increased threats.

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Articles (124)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

LeftCenterRight
Mother Jones
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Salon
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Slate
The New Yorker
Washington Monthly
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TIME Magazine
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The Bulwark
The Bulwark
ABC News
ABC News
ABC News
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CBS News
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Fortune
Associated Press
Associated Press
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BBC News
The Dispatch
World News Group
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Christian Post
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Washington Examiner
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The Daily Wire
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"…Trump’s refusal to call Walz stands in stark contrast to the Democratic response after the two assassination attempts against Trump last summer, when Democrats condemned the violence."

Trump and the GOP’s Ghoulish Response to the Assassinations in Minnesota
Mother JonesMother Jones·7d·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…Among the details about the suspect beginning to emerge is that he reportedly attended a bible college that is a stronghold of the New Apostolic Reformation, the charismatic movement that teaches that Christians are called to take over the US government."

Minnesota Shooting Suspect Allegedly Attended a Bible College Popular Among Christian Nationalists
Mother JonesMother Jones·8d·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…Boelter, who was arrested on Sunday after a two-day search, has already been charged by the state of Minnesota with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder in connection with the shootings."

Read full text of Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Boelter’s federal criminal affidavit
MSNBCMSNBC·8d·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, is facing blistering criticism for a series of inflammatory social media posts responding to the shootings of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman and their spouses."

“You need to take responsibility”: Sen. Lee confronted over Minnesota shooting posts
SalonSalon·7d·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…The assassination of one elected official, and the attempted assassination of another, confirm the arrival of a new political era, in which the expectation and the fear of political violence are endemic."

The Minnesota Shootings and the Dangerous Trend of Impersonating Law Enforcement
The New YorkerThe New Yorker·7d·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…Sen. Mike Lee was among the worst culprits of trying to muddy the waters around the weekend assassination spree of Vance Luther Boelter in Minnesota."

Tina Smith Calls Out Mike Lee’s Rancid Social Media Posts
TPMTPM·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The reluctance to name the movement that claimed two more lives this weekend, and attempted to take more, ensures that Trump will never face accountability for the political environment he’s created."

MAGA Whips Up Conspiracy Theories To Muddy An Act Of Right-Wing Violence
TPMTPM·8d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…In hindsight, Carlson said, Boelter “was a sick man” and needed help, even if those around him didn’t realize it in time."

Childhood Friend Says Minnesota Suspect Had 'Darkness Inside Of Him'
HuffPostHuffPost·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The names were scattered across sheafs of notes, and officials stated that they hadn’t found a traditional manifesto as part of the writings."

Here's What We Know About The Alleged Minnesota Shooter's List Of Names
HuffPostHuffPost·8d·
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This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Sen. Tina Smith directly confronted Sen. Mike Lee over a series of disturbing social media posts he shared in response to the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their partners."

Tina Smith Confronts Mike Lee Over His Appalling Minnesota Posts
HuffPostHuffPost·8d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Boelter’s Christianity did not force him to kill, but it did give him permission to act."

The Spiritual Warfare of Vance Boelter
New York MagazineNew York Magazine·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The man charged with killing one Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another in what prosecutors have described as a meticulously planned attack, had dozens of apparent targets, including officials in at least three other states."

Minnesota shooting suspect had a list of dozens of potential Democratic targets, prosecutors say
PBS NewsHourPBS NewsHour·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The shootings come after credible threats to members of Congress have more than doubled in the last decade, the troubling tally of an era that has been marked by a string of violent attacks against lawmakers and their families."

After Minnesota shooting, Congress holds emergency briefings on security
PBS NewsHourPBS NewsHour·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Minnesotans continue to grapple with the tragic loss of a respected lawmaker and her husband as a result of that violence."

Republican colleague remembers murdered Minnesota lawmaker
PBS NewsHourPBS NewsHour·8d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The killings in Minnesota have given many of them a fresh awareness of their own vulnerability."

The Fear Coursing Through State Capitols
The AtlanticThe Atlantic·6d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The worldview that Boelter appeared to embrace was radical, he said."

The Minnesota Suspect’s Radical Spiritual World
The AtlanticThe Atlantic·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Members of Congress are urgently reviewing security arrangements following the weekend Minnesota shootings that claimed the lives of a Democratic state legislator and her husband, with many demanding extra funds to beef up their own protection."

Congress reviews security boost after deadly Minnesota shooting
The GuardianThe Guardian·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…It was the latest example of a rightwing media ecosystem that swiftly spins up narratives that serve their political agendas after tragic events, regardless of accuracy, and does not correct them after further information shows them to be untrue or incomplete."

How the right spread ‘brutal and cruel’ misinformation after Minnesota lawmaker killings
The GuardianThe Guardian·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Such was the split screen that played out among Republicans after the Saturday morning shootings, which were the latest in a wave of political violence across the United States that has most recently seen two assassination attempts targeting Donald Trump as he campaigned for president, a flamethrower attack on a rally for Israeli hostages in Colorado and a slew of threats targeting judges who have ruled against the US president."

Trump and other Republicans mock Democrats after Minnesota lawmaker killings
The GuardianThe Guardian·8d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The acting US attorney for the district of Minnesota, Joe Thompson, told reporters that as well as the early-hours attacks on the Hortman and Hoffman residences, Boelter was spotted at the homes of two other unnamed lawmakers, one a state representative, the other a state senator, in a “planned campaign of stalking and violence”."

Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker killing visited other legislators’ homes, say authorities
The GuardianThe Guardian·8d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The Minnesota lawmaker who was fatally shot in her home over the weekend in an apparent assassination was an alumna of two Boston-area universities."

Slain Minnesota lawmaker attended Boston University, Harvard
Boston GlobeBoston Globe·8d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The man accused of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another went to the homes of two other legislators on the night of the shootings, intending to inflict more carnage against those on his hitlist, a federal prosecutor said Monday."

Minnesota shootings suspect allegedly went to 2 other lawmakers' homes on same night
Boston GlobeBoston Globe·8d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Officers spotted Boelter and used a drone to track him from overhead as he crawled through thick shrubs, Faust said."

How the Minnesota shootings suspect was caught
Boston GlobeBoston Globe·8d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The comments contradict statements made by those who personally know Vance Boelter, the suspect in the case."

Trump Allies Falsely Link Democrats to Minnesota Suspect
TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses this past weekend are the latest instances of political violence that has risen across the U.S. in recent years."

The Rise of Political Violence in the U.S.
TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·8d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The man who prosecutors have charged with assassinating Melissa Hortman, a Democratic Minnesota state representative, and her husband Mark Hortman, once said in a sermon that his religious awakening came when he was 17 years old, working next to a man who “talked about God all of the time” at a vegetable canning factory."

The Minnesota Shooting Suspect's Background Suggests Deep Ties to Christian Nationalism
WiredWired·6d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Despite all evidence showing that the extremist violence is usually conducted by far-right actors, the far-right has sought to portray the perpetrators as leftists, members of antifa, or connected in some way to the Democratic party."

‘Psyop’: How Far-Right Conspiracy Theories About the Minnesota Shooting Evolved to Protect MAGA
WiredWired·8d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Trump confirmed to reporters that he would not reach out to Walz, who served as the running mate to his rival in the 2024 presidential election, Democrat Kamala Harris."

Trump says he won’t ‘waste time’ calling Minnesota governor after slayings
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Vance Boelter, a former state board appointee, was arrested Sunday after allegedly killing ex-House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounding Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, ending the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history."

Minnesota gunman arrested after deadly attacks on state Democrats
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera·8d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The home appeared to have been searched by an unknown individual; however, the family has indicated that they don’t believe anything is missing."

Police investigate apparent break-in at slain Minnesota lawmaker’s home
CNNCNN·6d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The Utah senator’s posts — made in the wake of the shootings that targeted Minnesota state representatives and their families, prompting concerns about lawmaker safety — ignited a firestorm of criticism."

GOP senator deletes inflammatory social media posts about Minnesota shootings | Politics
CNNCNN·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The fatal shootings in Minnesota have reignited the long-standing question of how to ensure the safety of 535 US lawmakers and their families with limited resources in an increasingly toxic political environment where threats of violence against politicians are at an all-time high."

‘We’re not safe’: US lawmakers demand more be done after political violence in Minnesota | Politics
CNNCNN·7d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The slayings of Hortman, 55, and her husband, Mark Hortman, and the wounding of Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, have brought renewed attention to the troubling rise of political violence."

Break-in reported at home of slain Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman
NBC NewsNBC News·6d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…State lawmakers across the country say they are deeply concerned about the lack of security they receive in the wake of the targeted shooting of two Minnesota legislators, even as local officials attempt to ramp up some safety measures."

A 'wake-up call': State lawmakers are fearful after Minnesota shootings expose lack of security
NBC NewsNBC News·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Lee had written in one post about the Saturday assassination of Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, that “this is what happens When Marxists don’t get their way.”"

Sen. Mike Lee deletes social media posts about the Minnesota shooting after facing criticism
NBC NewsNBC News·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Trump's dismissive remarks about Gov. Tim Walz following the Minnesota shootings reflect a lack of traditional presidential empathy in the face of tragedy."

Trump says he won’t call Gov. Tim Walz after Minnesota shootings: 'He's a mess'
NBC NewsNBC News·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The design of social media platforms facilitates and even incentivizes this kind of rumoring and political point-scoring in the wake of crisis events."

How Minnesota shooting conspiracy theories took over social media feeds
NBC NewsNBC News·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Smith said she confronted Lee after his “cruel” posts from Sunday, in which he included a photo of the suspected gunman and wrote, “this is what happens When Marxists don’t get their way.”"

Sen. Tina Smith says she confronted Sen. Mike Lee about his 'cruel' social media posts on the Minnesota shootings
NBC NewsNBC News·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The targeted shootings of two Minnesota state lawmakers has renewed an urgent debate on Capitol Hill as members of Congress raise alarm bells about their safety amid escalating political rhetoric and violent threats."

'It's scary': Minnesota shootings reignite security concerns for members of Congress
NBC NewsNBC News·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Lawmakers in Washington are reassessing their own security coverage following the Saturday attacks in Minnesota where a gunman shot two Democratic lawmakers, killing one and wounding the other."

Lawmakers in Washington press for more security following Minnesota shooting
NPRNPR·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The incident is the latest in a string of political violence aimed at public officials and their families, including a hammer-wielding assailant who broke into former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's house and attacked her spouse, and fire set at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home."

Lawmakers call for more safety measures after Minnesota shooting
USA TODAYUSA TODAY·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The posts, which came a day after Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in their home on June 14, baselessly tied the attack to the political left."

GOP Sen. Mike Lee deletes controversial posts on assassination of Minnesota lawmaker
USA TODAYUSA TODAY·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The attacks rippled across the country as frightened political leaders worried that America’s divides could cost them their lives."

40 hours of violence and fear as gunman stalks Minnesota politicians
Chicago TribuneChicago Tribune·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The man accused of the murders of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband in what prosecutors said was a "political assassination" could face the death penalty if he's convicted on federal charges for shootings that unfolded over 90 minutes early Saturday morning in the Minneapolis suburbs."

Disturbing details continue to emerge in attack on Minnesota lawmakers
USA TODAYUSA TODAY·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…This kind of language is grating our collective nerves, which are fraying, and increasingly less able to handle disagreement."

Editorial: Political violence cannot become the American norm
Chicago TribuneChicago Tribune·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Investigators say Boelter "embarked on a planned campaign of stalking and violence, designed to inflict fear, injure and kill members of the Minnesota state legislature and their families," the affidavit said."

'Stuff of nightmares': How investigators say attacks on Minn. lawmakers unfolded
USA TODAYUSA TODAY·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…People like Boelter have surely gotten the message."

The Growing Threat of Homegrown Religious Extremism
The BulwarkThe Bulwark·6d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Lee's online persona has been a noisy congressional sideshow for years, but his most recent turn to amoral edgelordism has pushed the envelope in deeply personal and uncomfortable ways."

Mike Lee Needs an Intervention
The BulwarkThe Bulwark·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…At the time of the shootings, Carlson said Boelter had been struggling to find work and was “disappointed” he wasn’t hearing back from people."

Childhood friend says Minnesota suspect had 'darkness inside of him'
ABC NewsABC News·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The man charged with killing a prominent Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another could face something that is a rarity for Minnesota but could become more common under the Trump administration: the death penalty."

Man charged with killing lawmaker could face rarity for Minnesota: the death penalty
ABC NewsABC News·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Sen. Mike Lee is facing criticism over his social media posts about the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband."

Sen. Mike Lee faces criticism over posts on Minnesota shootings
ABC NewsABC News·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The shootings come after credible threats to members of Congress have more than doubled in the last decade, the troubling tally of an era that has been marked by a string of violent attacks against lawmakers and their families."

Congress is holding emergency briefings on security after Minnesota shootings
ABC NewsABC News·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Violence and fear swept through towns in an arc around Minneapolis for more than 40 hours over the weekend as a man seemingly intent on sowing political devastation killed one Minnesota state lawmaker and left another bleeding from nine bullet wounds."

40 hours of violence and fear as gunman stalks Minnesota politicians
ABC NewsABC News·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Lawmakers in some states are moving to delete their home addresses from online directories after one Minnesota legislator was killed and another wounded in their suburban Minneapolis homes last weekend in what Gov. Tim Walz described as a targeted political attack."

After Minnesota shooting, some states are more tightly guarding officials' personal information
ABC NewsABC News·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…House Republicans held a conference call, which was described as "tense," on Saturday with the House sergeant at arms and U.S. Capitol Police to discuss their concerns."

'Tense' security call among House Republicans following Minnesota shootings
ABC NewsABC News·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The Twin Cities home where Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot Saturday was broken into overnight Wednesday, police say."

Police investigating reported break-in at home of slain Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman
CBS NewsCBS News·6d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Smith said she decided to confront Lee about the post because of the pain it caused her "and the other people in my state and I think around the country, who think that this was a brutal attack.""

Sen. Tina Smith confronts Sen. Mike Lee over "cruel" post on Minnesota lawmaker shootings
CBS NewsCBS News·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The man charged with killing one Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another in what prosecutors have described as a meticulously planned attack, had dozens of apparent targets, including officials in at least three other states."

Minnesota shooting suspect had over 45  Democrat politicians on his list of potential targets
FortuneFortune·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The tension playing out in Wisconsin and other states after the Minnesota killings pits those who want to keep state capitols as open and accessible as possible against those concerned about increasing threats and acts of violence against officeholders."

Lawmakers on edge as statehouse security tightens after Minnesota shootings
Associated PressAssociated Press·6d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The man charged with killing a prominent Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another could face something that is a rarity for Minnesota but could become more common under the Trump administration: the death penalty."

Man charged with killing prominent lawmaker could face a rarity for Minnesota: the death penalty
Associated PressAssociated Press·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Carlson said Boelter “was a sick man” and needed help, even if those around him didn’t realize it in time."

Childhood friend says Minnesota suspect had 'darkness inside of him'
Associated PressAssociated Press·7d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The man charged with killing one Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another in what prosecutors have described as a meticulously planned attack, had dozens of apparent targets, including officials in at least three other states."

Minnesota shooting suspect had dozens of potential targets, prosecutors say
Associated PressAssociated Press·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The shootings come after credible threats to members of Congress have more than doubled in the last decade, the troubling tally of an era that has been marked by a string of violent attacks against lawmakers and their families."

Congress is holding emergency briefings on security after Minnesota shootings
Associated PressAssociated Press·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The attacks sparked the largest manhunt in Minnesota history, with heavily armed officers in full combat gear riding armored vehicles through suburban streets and country roads, ending in the arrest of Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old father of five and sometime Christian pastor known for his deeply conservative beliefs — but whose friends never saw him as an extremist."

40 hours of violence and fear as gunman stalks Minnesota politicians
Associated PressAssociated Press·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Many lawmakers included in the suspected Minnesota gunman’s list of targets have vowed not to bow down."

Many lawmakers on list of suspected Minnesota shooter vow not to bow down
Associated PressAssociated Press·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Lawmakers in some states are moving to delete their home addresses from online directories and Wisconsin legislators are seeking added security for a session this week after one Minnesota legislator was killed and another wounded in their suburban Minneapolis homes last weekend in what Gov. Tim Walz described as a targeted political attack."

After Minnesota shooting, some states are more tightly guarding officials' personal information
Associated PressAssociated Press·8d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The targeting of politicians seems to be a growing trend."

America’s Political Violence Problem
The DispatchThe Dispatch·7d·
Center
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"…Authorities on Sunday night charged Vance Luther Boelter with two counts of second-degree murder for allegedly killing a Democratic state representative and her husband."

Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker shootings charged with murder
World News GroupWorld News Group·8d·
Leans Right
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"…The attacks sparked the largest manhunt in Minnesota history, with heavily armed officers in full combat gear riding armored vehicles through suburban streets and country roads, ending in the arrest of Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old father of five and sometime Christian pastor known for his deeply conservative beliefs — but whose friends never saw him as an extremist."

40 hours of violence and fear as gunman stalks Minnesota politicians
Boston HeraldBoston Herald·7d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…The man charged with killing one Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another in what prosecutors have described as a meticulously planned attack, had dozens of apparent targets, including officials in at least three other states."

Minnesota shooting suspect had dozens of potential targets, prosecutors say
Boston HeraldBoston Herald·7d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…The shootings come after credible threats to members of Congress have more than doubled in the last decade, the troubling tally of an era that has been marked by a string of violent attacks against lawmakers and their families."

Congress is holding emergency briefings on security after Minnesota shootings
Boston HeraldBoston Herald·7d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another is now charged with murder after police arrested him Sunday near his home following a nearly two-day search."

What to know about the shootings of 2 Minnesota lawmakers and the arrest of Vance Boelter
Boston HeraldBoston Herald·8d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…The man accused of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another went to the homes of two other legislators on the night of the shootings, intending to inflict more carnage against those on his hitlist, a federal prosecutor said Monday."

Prosecutors: Suspect in shooting of Minnesota state lawmakers targeted two others that night
Boston HeraldBoston Herald·8d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…Police interaction with alleged Minnesota lawmaker shooter Vance Boelter likely prevented the loss of more lives, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said on Monday."

Minnesota police praised for foiling lawmaker shooting suspect's plan
FOX NewsFOX News·7d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…While I am thankful the suspect has been apprehended, I grieve for the loss of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and I am praying for the recovery of John and Yvette Hoffman."

Minnesota lawmaker happened to be on vacation when masked suspect knocked on door
FOX NewsFOX News·7d·
Leans Right
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"…The former New York City mayor added, "But there’s a cycle here of the most important leadership in the country, both in the words he uses and the actions he’s authorizing, creating an environment that’s becoming more violent, more conflictual.""

Democratic leaders accuse Trump of legitimizing political violence that led to Minnesota shootings
FOX NewsFOX News·7d·
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"…The Minnesota man accused of murdering a lawmaker and her husband, and leaving another lawmaker and his wife injured while dressed as a police officer possessed an extensive security background, raising questions about his access to weapons and law enforcement uniforms in what authorities are calling a "targeted" attack."

Fake cop suspected in lawmaker assassination had extensive security training before 'targeted' attack
FOX NewsFOX News·8d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…Only days after a gunman shot and killed Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, the family’s rescue dog Gilbert had to be euthanized."

Dog shot during Minnesota lawmaker's murder put down days after attack
FOX NewsFOX News·8d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…A break-in at the house of slain Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, was reported."

Overnight break-in reported at the home of Minnesota lawmaker killed
Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·6d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…The situation reached a boiling point on Tuesday when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called on President Donald Trump to intervene and compel Lee to delete his controversial posts about the Minnesota shooting after the Utah senator rebuffed Schumer’s personal request to take them down."

Mike Lee deletes Minnesota shooting posts following Senate backlash
Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·7d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…Trump's dismissive remarks about Governor Walz reflect a lack of empathy in the wake of a tragic event that has deeply affected the Minnesota community."

Trump says he won’t ’waste time’ calling Walz over Minnesota lawmakers shooting
Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·7d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…Political violence is plaguing our nation, as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle call for increased security measures following the politically motivated assassination of former Minnesota State House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband."

Minnesota Democrat's assassination leaves members of Congress worried
Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·7d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…Lee downplayed and joked about what authorities say were politically motivated shootings over the weekend by Vance Boelter, who was charged Monday with a half-dozen federal crimes, including murder and stalking."

Mike Lee catches heat from Minnesota colleagues for posts on shootings
Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·8d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…The Minnesota man who is suspected of killing a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband was caught by police hiding in a rural field, but who he is and possible motives only get murkier as more information is revealed."

The plot thickens: No Kings flyers found in Minnesota suspect's car
The BlazeThe Blaze·7d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The story laid out in the criminal complaint and accompanying FBI affidavit is unprecedented in Minnesota history — literally the stuff of nightmares."

The stuff of nightmares: Boelter allegedly sought to kill 4 lawmakers
The BlazeThe Blaze·8d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The horrific, targeted murders of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, as well as the shooting of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman, have shocked the nation and united us in grief."

Minnesota assassin suspect Vance Boelter charged with murder, stalking by Trump DOJ
The Post MillennialThe Post Millennial·8d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…Top Democratic leaders in Congress are calling for increased security funding for lawmakers following recent shootings that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband."

Democratic Leaders Call for Increased Security Funding After Minnesota Shootings
Epoch TimesEpoch Times·7d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

Vance Boelter's motivations appear to be rooted in his political beliefs and frustrations. He had a list of over 45 potential Democratic targets, indicating a premeditated plan driven by political ideology.

The incident has raised alarms about increasing threats against lawmakers, prompting security briefings in Congress and calls for enhanced security measures across the country.

In response to the shootings, lawmakers are advocating for enhanced security measures and funding to protect elected officials.

History

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